Payroll Supervisor

Vedder Careers • Chicago, IL

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Vedder's Chicago office is seeking a Payroll Supervisor. Under the direction of the Payroll Manager, the Payroll Supervisor provides day-to-day leadership and processing of the payroll operations for domestic and international offices, including the U.S., U.K., and Singapore. The Payroll Supervisor, alongside the Payroll Manager, is responsible for accurate, timely, and compliant processing, strong internal controls, and staff development, escalating policy decisions, regulatory interpretation, and department-level strategy. This position also requires strong leadership, organization, and problem-solving capabilities, along with the ability to manage competing priorities and lead the team effectively through high-volume payroll cycles.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of multi-state and international payroll compliance (U.S., U.K., and Singapore)
• Demonstrated supervisory experience with the ability to lead, coach, and develop a team
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and internal controls
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong organizational and time management capabilities in a deadline-driven environment
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
• Advanced Excel skills (XLOOKUP, VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, SUMIFS, etc.)
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Minimum of 6-8 years of payroll experience required, including 1-2 years leading or mentoring payroll staff
• Proven experience processing multi-state and international payrolls in a multi-entity environment
• Experience managing multiple payroll groups and frequencies simultaneously
• Experience in a professional services or law firm environment preferred
• Prior processing experience with UKG required
• International payroll experience (U.K. and Singapore) strongly preferred
• Fundamental Payroll Certificate (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification a plus
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of Word and Outlook required
• Experience and processing knowledge of UKG (payroll/HRIS platform) required
• Experience with timekeeping systems (i.e Workforce Management) preferred

Nice To Haves

• Fundamental Payroll Certificate (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification a plus
• Experience in a professional services or law firm environment preferred
• Experience with timekeeping systems (i.e Workforce Management) preferred

Responsibilities

• Process and supervise workflows across multiple payroll cycles, ensuring timely and accurate processing
• Supervise, mentor, and develop Payroll team; review team output for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to deadlines
• Process and/or review and approve payroll transactions processed by the team, including new hires, separations, pay adjustments, and retroactive changes
• Perform final validation and sign-off on payroll prior to transmission processed by the team
• Serve as the team's primary escalation point for complex payroll inquiries; ensuring timely and professional resolution, and escalate policy or regulatory questions
• Generate and review payroll reports and analytics; and flag trends, anomalies, and/or risks to management
• Oversee and assist with processing of manual and off-cycle payments, including wire requests, ensuring appropriate approvals and controls
• Monitor day-to-day adherence to federal, state, local, and international payroll requirements (e.g. U.K. HMRC, Singapore IRAS/CPF), flagging any required changes
• Support management in statutory filings and year-end requirements (e.g., W-2, P60, IR8A)
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and enforce internal controls, including segregation of duties and approval workflows
• Work with management on the preparation of payroll-related documentation and responses to requests for internal and external audits
• Recommend process improvements to management and assist with the implementation of approved changes
• Ensure payroll workflows align with best practices and evolving business needs
• Foster a collaborative, responsive, and solutions-oriented team environment
• Ensure strict adherence to confidentiality and data security standards
• Partner with Accounting team to support payroll related reconciliations and ensure completion, focusing on alignment between payroll reports and source data
• Support administration of time and attendance systems

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Discretionary annual bonus program
• Discretionary profit sharing
• 401(k) matching
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• Optional health savings accounts
• Flexible spending accounts
• Firm-paid Life benefits
• Firm-paid Disability benefits
• Wellness programs
• Competitive time off package
• Paid holidays
• Sick time
• Personal days
• Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through firm provided training programs
• Anniversary and Vedder Praise Programs
• Hybrid work model
• Family-friendly policies
• Employee discount program
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Back up child & elder care
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fitness center discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level